WizardHQ Community Governance

April 21, 2025
Contrariwise
Knowledge

Purpose & Scope

This document provides a lightweight framework for how the WizardHQ community operates and makes decisions. It outlines leadership roles, conflict resolution approaches, and community principles while emphasizing the flexibility needed for a volunteer-run community.

The Council Structure

Overview

The WizardHQ community is guided by a Council, consisting of the Founder and Pillar Stewards. Together, they serve as caretakers of both the philosophical vision and the practical functioning of the community.

Council Composition

  1. The Founder - Original creator of the Way of the Wizard and WizardHQ
    • Holds final authority on core philosophical direction
    • Makes decisions when consensus cannot be reached
  2. The Pillar Stewards - Each represents one of the Six Pillars:
    • Adventure Steward - Embodies and guides The Adventure of Life pillar
    • Knowledge Steward - Embodies and guides The Pursuit of Knowledge pillar
    • Creative Steward - Embodies and guides The Creative Spirit pillar
    • Nature Steward - Embodies and guides The Natural Harmony pillar
    • Whimsy Steward - Embodies and guides The Whimsical Heart pillar
    • Humble Steward - Embodies and guides The Humble Path pillar

Council Membership

  1. Selection of Stewards:
    • The Founder selects the initial Pillar Stewards based on their understanding of the philosophy and commitment to the community
    • There are no fixed terms for Stewards; they serve as long as they are willing and able
  2. Leaving the Council:
    • Stewards may step down at any time by notifying the Founder and other Council members
    • If possible, a departing Steward should recommend potential replacements
    • The Council may collectively decide to remove a Steward who is inactive for extended periods or whose actions repeatedly conflict with community values
    • The Founder reserves the right to remove a Steward when necessary
  3. Replacing Stewards:
    • When a position opens, the Founder and remaining Council members collaborate to identify suitable replacements
    • Priority is given to community members who have demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the relevant pillar
    • New Stewards are invited privately before public announcement

Council Responsibilities

The Council’s purpose is to nurture the community while preserving the integrity of its philosophical foundation. Key responsibilities include:

  1. Philosophical Guidance
    • Embodying the Way of the Wizard in personal conduct
    • Helping clarify philosophical concepts for community members
    • Contributing to philosophical resources when appropriate
  2. Community Care
    • Monitoring community spaces for alignment with The Wizard’s Code
    • Addressing code of conduct violations
    • Welcoming and supporting new members
    • Responding to member questions and concerns
  3. Content & Activities
    • Creating or facilitating community activities
    • Contributing to seasonal events
    • Supporting the implementation of the quest system
    • Helping develop community resources

Decision-Making Approach

Asynchronous Collaboration

The Council operates primarily through asynchronous communication:

  1. Private Council Channel
    • Primary space for Council discussion in Discord
    • No regular scheduled meetings required
    • Decisions made through channel discussion as needed
  2. Decision Types
    • Pillar-Specific: Decisions affecting only one pillar can be made by its Steward
    • Cross-Pillar: Decisions affecting multiple pillars require consultation with relevant Stewards
    • Community-Wide: Major decisions affecting the entire community require Council discussion
  3. Decision Process
    • Council members respond to proposed decisions as they’re able
    • Consensus is sought but not required for all decisions
    • For significant decisions, a simple majority of responding Council members (with the Founder counting as one vote) is sufficient after a reasonable discussion period
    • The Founder may make decisions independently when timely resolution is needed
    • The Founder retains veto power for decisions that fundamentally alter the Way of the Wizard or community direction
  4. Transparency
    • Major decisions are communicated in the #announcements channel
    • The rationale for decisions is shared when appropriate
    • Not all Council discussions need to be made public

Community Feedback

While the Council doesn’t require community approval for decisions, community feedback is valued:

  1. Passive Feedback Collection
    • Observation of community engagement and responses
    • Attention to recurring themes in discussions
    • Monitoring of community growth and participation patterns
  2. Active Feedback Channels
    • Dedicated #suggestions channel for community ideas
    • Occasional polls for specific questions
    • Direct communication with Council members

Community Roles

Membership Tiers

  1. Seeker - New members exploring the community
    • Entry point for all new members
    • Access to basic community areas
    • Beginning the apprenticeship journey
  2. Wizard - Full community members
    • Completed the apprenticeship journey
    • Access to all standard community areas
    • Can mentor new members
    • May be invited to assist with community activities
  3. Council Elder - Leadership and stewardship role
    • The Founder and Pillar Stewards
    • Moderation capabilities
    • Access to Council-only areas
    • Guide community direction and activities

Role Progression

  1. Seeker to Wizard
    • Complete the apprenticeship journey as defined by the Quest System
    • Demonstrate basic understanding of the Way of the Wizard
    • No voting or approval process required - progression is achievement-based
  2. Wizard to Council Elder
    • By invitation from the Founder
    • Based on demonstrated understanding of the philosophy, community contribution, and alignment with community values
    • Requires willingness to take on additional responsibilities

Conflict Resolution

Guiding Principles

  1. Wisdom Over Judgment - Approach conflicts as opportunities for growth
  2. Direct Communication First - Encourage resolving issues at the source
  3. Perspective Seeking - Consider all viewpoints before decisions
  4. Responsibility Focus - Address harmful behavior, not identity or character
  5. Restoration Over Punishment - Aim to heal relationships and community

Resolution Approaches

Personal Conflicts

For disagreements or minor interpersonal issues:

  1. Direct communication between involved parties is encouraged
  2. If resolution isn’t reached, an uninvolved Council member may help mediate
  3. Focus remains on understanding and forward movement

Code of Conduct Violations

For behavior that conflicts with The Wizard’s Code:

  1. A Council member addresses the issue directly with the person involved
  2. For repeated or serious violations, multiple Council members review the situation
  3. The Founder is consulted on potential consequences or restrictions

Community Safety

For situations requiring immediate action:

  1. Any Council member may temporarily restrict access if needed for community safety
  2. The full Council is informed as soon as possible
  3. A final decision is made after review, with the Founder having final authority

Privacy and Documentation

  1. Confidentiality - Details of conflicts are shared only with those who need to know
  2. Learning Focus - The emphasis is on growth rather than punishment
  3. Minimal Documentation - Only serious incidents are formally documented
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